Google has been successful with its new smartphone OS, Android.
The OS got a slow start and had to fight through some growing pains,
but has proven to be popular with smartphone users and phone
manufacturers alike.

To get Android into the hands of even
more users, Google and Verizon have announced
a new agreement that will leverage the 3G network of Verizon with
the Android OS to put new devices into the hands of Verizon customers
faster.

"The nation's best wireless broadband network is
a perfect complement to the innovation of Android-powered services
and devices," said Lowell McAdam, chief executive officer of
Verizon Wireless. "Together, we'll work to deliver a compelling
new experience to our customers."

The agreement has both
companies devoting substantial resources to jointly accelerate the
delivery and development of handsets using Android and put unique
applications into the hands of Verizon customers more quickly. The
two firms will together create, market, and distribute
products/services via both Google and Verizon distribution
channels.

The products that come from the collaboration will
be able to be purchased online and in Verizon retail stores. The
Android-based handsets developed between the two firms will be
pre-loaded with applications for both companies as well as
third-party developers. Neither Google nor Verizon offered specific
manufacturers for the devices resulting from the collaboration and
only say they will be built by "leading manufacturers."

"The
Android platform allows Verizon Wireless customers to experience
faster and easier access to the web from any location," said
Eric Schmidt, chairman and chief executive officer for Google.
"Through this partnership, we hope to deliver greater innovation
in the mobile space to consumers across the U.S."

Verizon
and Google report that the agreement will come to fruition in the
next few weeks as Verizon introduces new handsets running Android.a

“So far we have not seen a single Android device that does not infringe on our patents." -- Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith